Putting the spirit back in Southland

Southland Spirit of a Nation co-ordinator Gerry Forde is out rousing spirits in our schools, pumping out the positives in the media, entertaining at community events, promoting new Southland merchandise and motivating businesses.

“Our Southland spirit is the key to community, schooling and business – tap into that motivation and anything can happen – I see it every day!” Forde said.

Recently he spent the day at Garston school with principal Kathryn O’Loughlin looking at school projects from scrub land turned into a native roadside reserve, a new playground, eco-hut and a friendship garden.

“The staff have even revived the outdoor ice skating rink – how cool is it that the kids get to go skating together creating lifetime memories!’

Later that evening Gerry helped with the Quirky Quiz night that brought the whole community together round items from the senior students including singing, musical instruments and skits.

Southland Spirit of a Nation runs a student leadership programme at the primary level with over 80 students gathering at the Velodrome for a motivational session with Gerry in April that is now bearing fruit.

The leaders at Lumsden School, William Humphries and Sophie Sangster, distribute weekly certificates for students who demonstrate the Southland Spirit of pride, teamwork and giving a helping hand. They posted on the Spirit Representatives Google Group that they had also presented the Anzac Day wreath on behalf of the school.

At every brand presentation, two banners are displayed to highlight images of the Southland spirit and the top ten business supporters – Fonterra (major sponsor), Phoenix Services, Cunningham Construction/Signature Homes, Deep South Ice Cream, EH Ball ITM, Quantum Print, Arrow International, Fulton Hogan, AWS Legal and H&J Smith.

Part of the key brand message is “support local business.”

“Spending at a local business is like donating to a worthy cause that keeps everyone employed including the original spender,” said Forde.

Rather than let fear put work on hold, he encouraged everyone to keep developing. Forde also brings a motivational message to businesses around “breaking out of the box” and exceeding customer expectation.

An attractive range of Southland merchandise is now available from Quantum Print in Invercargill and from H&J Smith’s stores at Invercargill, Gore and Te Anau. Southland tees make for excellent Christmas gifts for national and overseas posting and the Southland scenic calendar will soon be available, he said.